Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material

ABSTRACT

A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beveragematerial.

2. Background Information

A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beveragefilling material can possibly comprise a beverage filling machine with aplurality of beverage filling positions, each beverage filling positionhaving a beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquidbeverage filling material. The filling devices may have an apparatusdesigned to introduce a predetermined volume of liquid beverage fillingmaterial into the interior of bottles to a substantially predeterminedlevel of liquid beverage filling material. The apparatus designed tointroduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling materialfurther comprises an apparatus that is designed to terminate the fillingof the beverage bottles upon the liquid beverage filling materialreaching the predetermined level in bottles. There may also be provideda conveyer arrangement that is designed to move bottles, for example,from an inspecting machine to the filling machine. Upon filling, aclosing station closes the filled bottles. There may further be provideda conveyer arrangement configured to transfer filled bottles from thefilling machine to the closing station. Bottles may be labeled in alabeling station, the labeling station having a conveyer arrangement toreceive bottles and to output bottles. The closing station and thelabeling station may be connected by a corresponding conveyerarrangement.

One possible embodiment of a beverage bottling plant for filling bottleswith a liquid beverage material could comprise an unpacking machine forunpacking bottles to be filled according to one possible embodiment.After leaving the unpacking machine, bottles could travel to a rinsingstation to be rinsed. After bottles have been rinsed, they could betransported to an inspection station to check for the presence of anyresidual alien substances. After being inspected, bottles may next betransported to a filling machine to be filled with a liquid beverage.Once bottles have been filled, they could continue to a bottle closingstation to have bottle caps or tops added to seal the bottles. Once thebottles have been sealed at the closing station, they may travel to alabeling station to have labels applied. After being labeled, bottlesmay travel to a packing station to be packed in boxes for transport.

Especially on machines that are used for the handling and/or processingof bottles or similar containers in the beverage industry, for example,it is necessary to provide sufficient lubrication for any bearings thatare present, i.e. to provide them with a sufficient supply of a suitablelubricant (grease). Only by means of reliable lubrication is it possibleto reliably prevent major damage to or even total failure of theequipment.

This supply of lubricant can be provided either manually orautomatically by means of a central lubrication system, althoughlubrication systems of this type are complex and expensive because ofthe need for distributors, control elements, lubrication lines etc. Itis also frequently difficult to prevent the leakage or escape of excesslubricant that can cause contamination of the equipment. Such lubricantleaks and escapes are undesirable in many applications and are evenprohibited in others. This problem can of course be resolved by a greasereturn, but that has the additional disadvantage of requiring additionalconstruction that entails additional expense.

The concept of a “machine for the handling and/or processing of bottlesor similar containers” as used in the present application refers in verygeneral terms to a machine that can be used, for example, in plants inthe food and/or beverage industry for the cleaning, filling, inspection,capping and labeling of bottles or other containers as well as for thepacking and emptying of containers. Machines of this type include butare not limited to cleaning machines, rinsers, fillers, inspectors,cappers, packers and unpackers.

OBJECT OR OBJECTS

The object is to describe a long-term lubrication system which can beconstructed economically and guarantees reliable long-term lubricationof the at least one bearing of the respective bearing arrangement.

The above-discussed embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed further hereinbelow. When the word “invention” or “embodimentof the invention” is used in this specification, the word “invention” or“embodiment of the invention” includes “inventions” or “embodiments ofthe invention”, that is the plural of “invention” or “embodiment of theinvention”. By stating “invention” or “embodiment of the invention”, theApplicant does not in any way admit that the present application doesnot include more than one patentably and non-obviously distinctinvention, and maintains that this application may include more than onepatentably and non-obviously distinct invention. The Applicant herebyasserts that the disclosure of this application may include more thanone invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention,that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respectto the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application teaches a long-term lubrication system asdisclosed herein below. Developments of the embodiments are alsodisclosed herein below.

The present application is explained in greater detail below on thebasis of the accompanying illustration which shows a simplifiedillustration in partial section of a long-term lubrication system andthe bearing of a shaft of a machine for the handling and/or processingof bottles or similar containers.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a container filling plant inaccordance with one possible embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a box diagram showing the process of unpacking bottles at anunpacking station;

FIG. 1 shows a simplified illustration in partial section of a long-termlubrication system and the bearing of a shaft of a machine for thehandling and/or processing of bottles or similar containers.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A shows schematically the main components of one possibleembodiment example of a system for filling containers, specifically, abeverage bottling plant for filling bottles B with at least one liquidbeverage, in accordance with at least one possible embodiment, in whichsystem or plant could possibly be utilized at least one aspect, orseveral aspects, of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101, to which thecontainers, namely bottles B, are fed in the direction of travel asindicated by the arrow A1, by a first conveyer arrangement 103, whichcan be a linear conveyor or a combination of a linear conveyor and astarwheel. Downstream of the rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101,in the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow A1, the rinsedbottles B are transported to a beverage filling machine 105 by a secondconveyer arrangement 104 that is formed, for example, by one or morestarwheels that introduce bottles B into the beverage filling machine105.

The beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or rotarydesign, with a rotor 105′, which revolves around a central, verticalmachine axis. The rotor 105′ is designed to receive and hold the bottlesB for filling at a plurality of filling positions 113 located about theperiphery of the rotor 105′. At each of the filling positions 103 islocated a filling arrangement 114 having at least one filling device,element, apparatus, or valve. The filling arrangements 114 are designedto introduce a predetermined volume or amount of liquid beverage intothe interior of the bottles B to a predetermined or desired level.

The filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage material from atoroidal or annular vessel 117, in which a supply of liquid beveragematerial is stored under pressure by a gas. The toroidal vessel 117 is acomponent, for example, of the revolving rotor 105′. The toroidal vessel117 can be connected by means of a rotary coupling or a coupling thatpermits rotation. The toroidal vessel 117 is also connected to at leastone external reservoir or supply of liquid beverage material by aconduit or supply line. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there aretwo external supply reservoirs 123 and 124, each of which is configuredto store either the same liquid beverage product or different products.These reservoirs 123, 124 are connected to the toroidal or annularvessel 117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121and 122. The external supply reservoirs 123, 124 could be in the form ofsimple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage product mixers,in at least one possible embodiment.

As well as the more typical filling machines having one toroidal vessel,it is possible that in at least one possible embodiment there could be asecond toroidal or annular vessel which contains a second product. Inthis case, each filling arrangement 114 could be connected by separateconnections to each of the two toroidal vessels and have twoindividually-controllable fluid or control valves, so that in eachbottle B, the first product or the second product can be filled by meansof an appropriate control of the filling product or fluid valves.

Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105, in the direction oftravel of the bottles B, there can be a beverage bottle closingarrangement or closing station 106 which closes or caps the bottles B.The beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 can beconnected by a third conveyer arrangement 107 to a beverage bottlelabeling arrangement or labeling station 108. The third conveyorarrangement may be formed, for example, by a plurality of starwheels, ormay also include a linear conveyor device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle labeling arrangementor labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit, device, ormodule, for applying labels to bottles B. In the embodiment shown, thelabeling arrangement 108 has three output conveyer arrangement: a firstoutput conveyer arrangement 109, a second output conveyer arrangement110, and a third output conveyer arrangement 111, all of which conveyfilled, closed, and labeled bottles B to different locations.

The first output conveyer arrangement 109, in the embodiment shown, isdesigned to convey bottles B that are filled with a first type of liquidbeverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 123. The secondoutput conveyer arrangement 110, in the embodiment shown, is designed toconvey bottles B that are filled with a second type of liquid beveragesupplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 124. The third outputconveyer arrangement 111, in the embodiment shown, is designed to conveyincorrectly labeled bottles B. To further explain, the labelingarrangement 108 can comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection ormonitoring device that inspects or monitors the location of labels onthe bottles B to determine if the labels have been correctly placed oraligned on the bottles B. The third output conveyer arrangement 111removes any bottles B which have been incorrectly labeled as determinedby the inspecting device.

The beverage bottling plant can be controlled by a central controlarrangement 112, which could be, for example, computerized controlsystem that monitors and controls the operation of the various stationsand mechanisms of the beverage bottling plant.

FIG. 1A further shows an unpacking machine 200 for unpacking bottles tobe filled according to one possible embodiment. After leaving theunpacking machine 200, bottles travel to the rinsing station 101 to berinsed. The rinsing station 101 comprises a bearing 101A. After bottleshave been rinsed, they are transported to an inspection station 250 tocheck for the presence of any residual alien substances. After beinginspected, bottles are next transported to the filling machine 105 to befilled with a liquid beverage. The filling machine 105 comprises abearing 105A. Once bottles have been filled, they continue to the bottleclosing station 106 to have bottle caps or tops added to seal thebottles. The bottle closing station 106 comprises bearings 106A. Oncethe bottles have been sealed at the closing station 106, they travel tothe labeling station 108 to have labels applied. The labeling station108 comprises a bearing 108A. After being labeled, bottles travel to apacking station 300 to be packed in boxes for transport.

FIG. 1B is a box diagram showing the process of unpacking bottles at anunpacking station 200, rinsing bottles at a rinsing station 101,inspecting bottles at an inspection station 250, filling bottles with afilling machine 105, closing bottles with a bottle closing machine 106,labeling bottles with a bottle labeling machine 108, and packing bottlesat a bottle packing station 300, as described above according to onepossible embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows the machine, which is designated 1 in general, for thehandling and/or processing of bottles or similar containers, for examplethe machine frame of a labeling machine, a filling machine, a cappingmachine, an inspector etc. On this machine frame 1, of which thesimplified illustration shows essentially only one horizontal lowerframe element 2 and a support foot 3, a shaft 5 with its axis in thevertical direction is rotationally mounted in a bearing arrangement 4with a long-term lubrication system. In the illustrated embodiment, theshaft 5 is provided on its lower end which projects out of the bearingarrangement 4 with a gear wheel 6, which can be used, for example, todrive the shaft 5. On the upper end which also projects from the bearingarrangement 4, an additional functional element, which in theillustrated exemplary embodiment is a disc 7 is fastened to the shaft 5.

The bearing arrangement 4 comprises, among other things, an externalbearing sleeve 8 which surrounds the shaft, and which in the illustratedexemplary embodiment extends over the major part of the length of theshaft 5. A ring 10 is fastened to the lower end of the bearing sleeve 8,fastened by means of a plurality of bolts 9 that are each oriented withtheir axes parallel to the axis of the shaft 5, whereby the shaft 5 runsthrough said ring 10. The ring 10 is held in a lower bearing 11 in acorresponding expanded portion of the interior of the bearing sleeve 8.The bearing 11 can be realized, for example, in the form of a radial andaxial bearing, and in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is formed bya suitable ball bearing.

In the upper portion of the bearing sleeve 8, the shaft 5 is mounted ina bearing 12 which is also located in the bearing sleeve 8 and in theillustrated exemplary embodiment is realized in the form of a frictionbearing. The annular space or gap 13 formed between the shaft 5 and theinner surface of the bearing sleeve is closed on the lower end of thebearing arrangement 4 or of the bearing sleeve 8 by a gasket 14 and onthe upper end of the bearing arrangement 4 or of the bearing sleeve 8 bya gasket 15.

To fasten the bearing sleeve 8 to the machine frame 1 or to the frameelement 2, on the upper side of this frame element 2 there is anexternal bearing mount 16, into which the bearing sleeve 8 is insertedwith a portion of its lower length, and in which the bearing sleeve 8 isanchored by threaded fasteners (bolts 17) so that it projects upwardwith a portion of its length beyond the bearing mount 16. The bearingmount 16 is held to the frame element 2 with bolts 18.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the gasket 14 which is alsoheld by means of the bolts 9, for example, is also supported against theend surface of the gear wheel 6 facing the bearing arrangement 4 or ofthe hub-like gear wheel carrier 6.1.

To supply both bearings 11 and 12 with the appropriate quantity andquality of lubricant (e.g. grease), and for long-term lubrication, theannular gap 13, in particular with a segment 13.1 above the bearing 11and with a segment 13.2 above the bearing 12, forms respective storagecompartments to hold a supply of lubricant. To achieve a volume that issufficient for the segment 13.2, at this point the bearing sleeve 8 hasa somewhat wider inside diameter or cross section.

To feed the viscous lubricant into the storage reservoir formed by theannular gap 13, a lubricant duct 19 is provided which runs with onesegment 19.1 in the bearing sleeve 8 and with one segment 19.2 in thering 10. The segment 19.1 is formed by a boring, the longitudinalextension of which is oriented parallel to the axis of the shaft 5. Thelower end of the segment 19.1 makes a transition into the segment 19.2,which is provided in the ring 10 and for its part ends in the annulargap 13 below the bearing 11. The segment 19.2 is formed by a radialboring and an axial boring that emerges into said radial boring, wherebythe radial boring is closed on its external end in the illustratedexemplary embodiment by the inside surface of the bearing mount 16 whichis in contact with the external surface of the ring 10.

The duct 19 ends on its end farther from the ring 10 at a grease nipple20 which is freely accessible on the segment of the bearing sleeve 8that projects out of the bearing mount 16.

On the upper end of the annular gap 13 or of the segment 13.2, a radialduct 21 is provided in the bearing sleeve 8, which duct terminates onone end into the annular gap 13 and terminates on the other end at theexternal surface of the bearing sleeve 8, where it is closed by aremovable closing element 22 which in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment is formed by a bolt.

The system is filled with the lubricant (grease) via the opened duct 21and the grease nipple 20, for example using a suitable lubricant gun orgrease gun. By means of the duct 19, the lubricant is injected insufficient quantities from below into the storage reservoir formed bythe annular gap 13 until it exits at the opened duct 21 and thus theentire space formed by the ducts 19, 20, 21 and the annular gap 13 iscompletely filled with lubricant. The amount of lubricant contained inthe annular gap 13 is then sufficient for a reliable lubrication of thebearings 11 and 12 over a long period of time, for example over anoperating time of one year or longer. The supply of lubricant is thenchecked at specified intervals. Any additional lubricant that may berequired can then be refilled via the grease nipple 21 when the duct 21is reopened. Any lubricant that escapes from the open duct 21 the firsttime the bearing arrangement 4 is filled with lubricant or on theoccasion of the addition of lubricant can be easily collected.

Because the shaft 5 is oriented with its axis in the vertical direction,the annular space 13 is filled with lubricant (grease) via the duct 19from bottom to top so that the lubricant in the annular gap 13 ascendsthe shaft 5 uniformly over its entire circumference, and thereby expelsany air that may be present in the annular duct 13 via the opened duct21. Because the annular duct 13 extends over the majority of the lengthof the shaft 5, the length of this annular duct 13 is also greater by amultiple than the diameter of the shaft 5, for example by a factor of 6to 8.

In one possible embodiment of a bottling plant, empty bottles enter thefactory in palletized crates and are positioned onto the conveyor beltone by one. A fully-automated unpacking machine removes the bottles fromthe crates with suction cups and puts them onto another conveyor belt.The next machine removes the caps. Then the empty bottles are washedrepeatedly in cleansing machines until they are thoroughly clean.Finally, an inspection machine examines the bottles for any damage andresidual contamination. Refillable plastic bottles are furthermore ledalong a so-called ‘sniffer’, a machine that effectively sniffs the airin each bottle to check the presence of any residual alien substances.Bottles thus identified as having contained alien substances are removedfrom the manufacturing process and destroyed.

In the bottling machine—a carousel-like turret—the bottles are filled atan enormous speed. The sealing machine then screws the caps onto thebottles, after which another machine checks whether the bottles areproperly filled. Then the bottles are labeled, positioned into thecrates and put on palettes. At this point the beverage is ready to beshipped to the customer.

Several of the machines or components of machines in one possibleembodiment of a beverage bottling plant could comprise a bearing orbearing structure. For example, an unpacking station, a rinsing station,inspection station, a filling machine, a bottle closing machine, abottle labeling machine, a bottle packing station, and a starwheel couldpossibly comprise a bearing or bearing structure.

Some examples of packers and unpackers in beverage bottling plants whichmay possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possibleembodiment are produced by Applicant, K H S Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG, Juchostrasse 20, D-44143 Dortmund, Federal Republic of Germany: Twomodels of the fully automatic INNOPACK cyclic packer product line areavailable: CT and GT. Both are ideal for packing or unpacking bottles,jars, cans, multi packs-in plastic crates, carton, or trays. The cyclicpacker's extremely efficient operation achieves high packing performancewhile requiring a minimum amount of space (INNOPACK CT: 500 to 1,900packagings per hour, INNOPACK GT: 1,000 to 7,000 module crates perhour). Two INNOPACK CT models are available: the short stroke machine(packing movement) for plastic crate processing and the long strokeversion (Packing movement) for folding box processing. Multipacker: thefully automatic operation of the INNOPACK GTM multipacker is used forcombined packing of bulk containers in plastic crates and cartons or forplacing multipacks in plastic crates, cartons, and trays. An outstandingfeature of this machine is its horizontally moveable gripper traverse.Packing heads can be equipped as required with a gripping hook system, avacuum gripping system, or a packing bell system, as well as ahorizontally operating swiveling system. Rotary packer: the INNOPACK CRrotary packer is a continuously operating packing and unpacking machinedesigned for packing plastic crates or cartons (2,400 to 8,100 modulecrates per hour). It is capable of handling a multitude of tasks and itscomplex equipment makes it usable in all capacity ranges throughout thebeverage industry. Two basic models of the rotary packer are available:size 1 for single and double-track crate conveyors, size 2 exclusivelyfor double-track crate conveyors.

Some examples of inspecting equipment in beverage bottling plants whichmay possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possibleembodiment are produced by Applicant: Inspection technology (INNOCHECK):empty bottle inspectors: the INNOCHECK LF product line from KHS offers awide variety of state-of-the-art devices and machines for inspectingreturnable glass or PET packaging. Capacities range from 36,000 to72,000 bottles per hour. High-tech camera technology and tried andtested sensory testing systems, among others, are implemented for thefollowing methods of inspection: bottle height checking, sealingsurface, IR residual liquids check, inner side walls, camera base.Foreign substance inspectors: the INNOCHECK FS is a highly dependableforeign substance inspector for inspecting PET multi-use bottles againstcontamination with taste and health affecting materials. The inspectorhas a low error return rate and a strong recognition rate and isresistant to parameter changes such as temperature fluctuation, airhumidity and unclean air. The INNOCHECK FS operates with a velocity of50,000 bottles per hour. The filling level checking system: theINNOCHECK FT 50 filling level checking system is available for checkingthe filling level of bottles and cans. Password-protected recording 20different types of containers is part of the standard equipment as wellas production statistics, counter readings for overfilling orunderfilling, and diagnostic functions. The INNOCHECK FT 50 is easy tooperate and features dependable filling level detection and astandardized link to reject systems. Crate checking: the INNOCHECKprogram offers various solutions for checking and detecting defectivecartons, containers in cartons, shrink-wrap packaging, and plastic ormetal closures. The simple and clearly arranged method of operationguarantees trouble-free machine performance for a multitude ofapplications.

Some examples of cleaning technology in beverage bottling plants whichmay possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possibleembodiment are produced by Applicant: Cleaning technology (INNOCLEAN),namely, single-end bottle washers of which there are three versions ofthe INNOCLEAN single-end bottle washer. The machines offered range fromthe lowest capacity (INNOCLEAN EC) with an output of 10,000 bottles perhour, the mid-capacity of 10,000 to 30,000 bottles per hour (INNOCLEANEK), to machines with capacities for 150,000 bottles per hour (INNOCLEANEE+INNOCLEAN EM, also available as multiple bath versions). All modelshave been designed for washing returnable and non-returnable glass andPET bottles. Double-end bottle washers: the INNOCLEAN DM double-end,multiple-bath bottle washer is designed for the mid to high capacityrange of up to 150,000 bottles per hour. This machine fulfills thehighest possible bottle requirements by consistently separating theimpurities from the clean bottle discharge. Very long treatment periodscan be achieved by combining a series of various types of caustic baths.The INNOCLEAN DM is available in various overall heights. The INNOCLEANDMT product line machines are double-end bottle washers with modifiedautomation. Crate washers: the INNOCLEAN KW is a fully automatic washingsystem for plastic crates. Made entirely of stainless steel, single ortwo-vat versions are available of these single and double-trackmachines. Capacities range from 500 to 10,000 crates per hour. Cratesare washed by two optional types of high-pressure spraying: 1. hot waterand follow-up spraying, 2. caustic spraying, hot water and follow-upspraying.

Some examples of filling machines in beverage bottling plants which maypossibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possibleembodiment are produced by Applicant: Filling technology (INNOFILL)comprising: overpressure fillers—KHS offers several overpressurefillers: (INNOFILL EM, ER, EV, DR) equipped with mechanical andcomputer-controlled filling valves for filling carbonated beverages,particularly soft drinks and mineral water, in glass and plasticcontainers. A special feature of the INNOFILL EV is the volumetricrecording of the filling volume using electromagnetic inductiveflowmetering (MID). Capacities range from 5,000 to 80,000 bottles perhour, depending on the type of machine and the container to be filled.Normal pressure fillers: the KHS product program includes the INNOFILLNR double-chamber normal pressure bottle fillers. Equipped withcomputer-controlled filling valves, this filler is ideal for fillingbeverages in glass and plastic containers. The INNOFILL NR is capable offilling 6,000 to 70,000 0.7-liter bottles per hour. Can fillers: theINNOFILL product line for can filling is particularly suitable forfilling beer, soft drinks, mixed beverages (carbonated andnon-carbonated) as well as pulp and non-pulp juices (also hot filling).The complex filler program guarantees high performance standards andoffers a host of engineering highlights, for instance, pressure-lessfilling of non-carbonated products. Or the extremely fast centralfilling level correction which can also be optionally used automaticallyduring production operation. Particularly worthy of note are the fillingtemperatures; the approximate temperature for beer is 16 degreesCelsius, 20 degrees Celsius for soft drinks, and 85 degrees Celsius forjuices. Rinsers: the KHS INNOFILL program includes two rinsers forsingle or double rinsing or blowing out of glass and plastic containersof various sizes and shapes. The EMZ/ZM rinser is a universal mechanicalrinser with a capacity range from 10,000 to 75,000 bottles per hour. Theuniversal computer-controlled triple-chamber DR rinser has the samecapacity range. KHS offers the fully automatic DW can rinser designedfor rinsing empty cans, which, depending on the configuration, iscapable of outputs from 18,000 to 160,000 cans per hour.

The present application has been explained above with reference to onepossible exemplary embodiment. It goes without saying that numerousmodifications, variations and additions can be made without therebygoing beyond the scope of the teaching of the present application.

The present application relates to a bearing arrangement with long-termlubrication system for the shaft of a machine for the handling and/orprocessing of bottles or similar containers, with a bearing sleeve thatsurrounds the shaft over at least a portion of its length, with at leastone bearing in a bearing interior that is formed between the shaft andan interior surface of the bearing sleeve, which bearing interior isclosed by at least two gaskets that are offset from each other in theaxial direction of the shaft and holds a lubricant is characterized byat least one first duct for the feed of the lubricant, which duct endsin the vicinity of the at least one bearing, and by means on a secondsegment of the bearing interior formed between the at least one bearingand a gasket for the ventilation of said space.

One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of thefiling of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in abeverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material; said beverage bottling plant comprising: a pluralityof rotary machines, comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle fillingmachine and a rotary beverage bottle closing machine; said beveragebottle filling machine being configured and disposed to fill beveragebottles with liquid beverage material; said beverage bottle fillingmachine comprising: a plurality of beverage bottle filling elements forfilling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material; each of saidplurality of beverage bottle filling elements comprising a containercarrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold bottles to befilled; each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements beingconfigured and disposed to dispense liquid beverage material intobottles to be filled; at least one liquid reservoir being configured tohold a liquid to be bottled; at least one supply line being configuredand disposed to connect said at least one liquid reservoir to saidbeverage bottle filling machine to supply liquid beverage material tosaid beverage bottle filling machine; a first beverage bottle fillingmachine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to movebeverage bottles into said beverage bottle filling machine; said firstbeverage bottle filling machine conveyer arrangement comprising a starwheel structure; a second beverage bottle filling machine conveyerarrangement being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles outof said beverage bottle filling machine; said second beverage bottlefilling machine conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheel structure;at least one of said plurality of rotary machines comprising a bearingarrangement being configured to permit rotation of said rotor in atleast one of said plurality of rotary machines; said bearing arrangementcomprising: a shaft being disposed vertically; a sleeve being configuredand disposed to encircle at least a portion of said shaft; an annularspace being disposed between said sleeve and said shaft; said annularspace being configured to hold a lubricant material; a lower gasketbeing configured and disposed to close the lower portion of said annularspace; an upper gasket being configured and disposed to close the upperportion of said annular space; at least two bearings being disposed insaid annular space, between said shaft and said sleeve; said at leasttwo bearings comprising a lower bearing being disposed in the lowerportion of said sleeve and an upper bearing being disposed in the upperportion of said sleeve; said lower bearing being closer to said lowergasket than said upper bearing, and said upper bearing being closer tosaid upper gasket than said lower bearing; said annular space extendingfrom said lower bearing to said upper gasket; said annular space beingconfigured to permit movement of lubricant material from adjacent saidlower bearing to adjacent said upper gasket; a bearing arrangementlubrication system; said bearing arrangement lubrication systemcomprising: a lower lubrication duct being disposed in the lower portionof said sleeve; said lower lubrication duct comprising a vertical ductportion being disposed to run parallel to said shaft and a horizontalduct portion being disposed perpendicularly to said vertical ductportion and being disposed to operatively connect to said annular space;said lower lubrication duct being disposed adjacent said at least onebearing; a lubricant inlet being configured and disposed to permit alubricant material to be introduced into said lower lubrication duct;said lower lubrication duct extending from said lubricant inlet to saidlower bearing; said lower lubrication duct being configured and disposedto permit the flow of a lubricant material into said annular space; anupper lubrication duct being disposed in the upper portion of saidsleeve; said upper lubrication duct being disposed perpendicularly tosaid annular space, and being disposed to operatively connect to saidannular space; a removable closing element being configured and disposedto seal said upper lubrication duct; said upper lubrication ductextending from said removable closing element to said upper gasket; saidremovable closing element being configured to permit the flow of air outof said upper lubrication duct upon the introduction of a lubricantmaterial into said lubrication system; said bottling plant furthercomprising a beverage bottle closing machine being configured anddisposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles and comprising: arotor; a rotatable vertical machine column; said rotor being connectedto said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor aboutsaid vertical machine column; a plurality of closing devices disposed onthe periphery of said rotor; each of said plurality of closing devicescomprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receiveand hold filled bottles; each of said plurality of closing devices beingconfigured and disposed to place closures on bottles upon bottles beingfilled; a first beverage bottle closing machine conveyor arrangementbeing configured and disposed to move bottles into said beverage bottleclosing machine; said first beverage bottle closing machine conveyorarrangement comprising a star wheel structure; a second beverage bottleclosing machine conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed tomove bottles out of said beverage bottle closing machine; said secondbeverage bottle closing machine conveyer arrangement comprising a starwheel structure.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in acontainer filling plant for filling containers with liquid beveragematerial; said container filling plant comprising: a plurality ofmachines, comprising at least a container filling machine and acontainer closing machine; said container filling machine beingconfigured and disposed to fill containers with liquid beveragematerial; said container filling machine comprising: a rotor; aplurality of container filling elements for filling containers withliquid beverage material; each of said plurality of container fillingelements comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed toreceive and hold containers to be filled; each of said plurality ofcontainer filling elements being configured and disposed to dispenseliquid beverage material into containers to be filled; at least oneliquid reservoir being configured to hold a liquid for filling; at leastone supply channel being configured and disposed to connect said atleast one liquid reservoir to said container filling machine to supplyliquid beverage material to said container filling machine; a firstcontainer filling machine conveyer arrangement being configured anddisposed to move containers into said container filling machine; asecond container filling machine conveyer arrangement being configuredand disposed to move containers out of said container filling machine;at least one of said plurality of machines comprising a bearingarrangement being configured to permit rotation of said rotor in atleast one of said plurality of machines; said bearing arrangementcomprising: a shaft; a sleeve being configured and disposed to envelopat least a portion of said shaft; an annular space being disposedbetween said sleeve and said shaft; said annular space being configuredto hold a lubricant material; a first gasket being configured anddisposed to close a first portion of said annular space; a second gasketbeing configured and disposed to close a second portion of said annularspace; at least two bearings being disposed in said annular space,between said shaft and said sleeve; said at least two bearingscomprising a first bearing being disposed in a first portion of saidsleeve and a second bearing being disposed in a second portion of saidsleeve; said first bearing being closer to said first gasket than saidsecond bearing, and said second bearing being closer to said secondgasket than said first bearing; said annular space extending from saidfirst bearing to said second gasket; said annular space being configuredto permit movement of lubricant material from adjacent said firstbearing to adjacent said second gasket; a bearing arrangementlubrication system; said bearing arrangement lubrication systemcomprising: a first lubrication duct being disposed in a first portionof said sleeve; said first lubrication duct comprising a first ductportion being disposed to run parallel to said shaft and a second ductportion being disposed transverse to said first duct portion and beingdisposed to operatively connect to said annular space; said firstlubrication duct being disposed adjacent said at least one bearing; saidfirst lubrication duct extending from said lubricant inlet to said firstbearing; said first lubrication duct extending from said lubricant inletto said at least one bearing; a lubricant inlet being configured anddisposed to permit a lubricant material to be introduced into said firstlubrication duct; said first lubrication duct being configured anddisposed to permit the flow of a lubricant material into said annularspace; a second lubrication duct being disposed in a second portion ofsaid sleeve; said second lubrication duct being disposed transverse tosaid annular space, and being disposed to operatively connect to saidannular space; said second lubrication duct extending from saidremovable closing element to said second gasket; a removable closingelement being configured and disposed to seal said second lubricationduct; said removable closing element being configured to permit the flowof air out of said second lubrication duct upon the introduction of alubricant material into said lubrication system; said container fillingplant further comprising a container closing machine being configuredand disposed to close tops of filled containers; said container closingmachine comprising: a rotor; a rotatable machine column; said rotorbeing connected to said machine column to permit rotation of said rotorabout said machine column; a plurality of closing devices disposed onsaid rotor; each of said plurality of closing devices comprising acontainer carrier being configured and disposed to receive and holdfilled containers; each of said plurality of closing devices beingconfigured and disposed to place closures on containers upon containersbeing filled; a first container closing machine conveyor arrangementbeing configured and disposed to move containers into said containerclosing machine; and a second container closing machine conveyorarrangement being configured and disposed to move containers out of saidcontainer closing machine.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in abeverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material; said beverage bottling plant comprising: a pluralityof rotary machines, comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle fillingmachine and a rotary beverage bottle closing machine; said beveragebottle filling machine being configured and disposed to fill beveragebottles with liquid beverage material; said beverage bottle fillingmachine comprising: a plurality of beverage bottle filling elements forfilling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material; each of saidplurality of beverage bottle filling elements comprising a containercarrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold bottles to befilled; each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements beingconfigured and disposed to dispense liquid beverage material intobottles to be filled; at least one liquid reservoir being configured tohold a liquid to be bottled; at least one supply line being configuredand disposed to connect said at least one liquid reservoir to saidbeverage bottle filling machine to supply liquid beverage material tosaid beverage bottle filling machine; a first beverage bottle fillingmachine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to movebeverage bottles into said beverage bottle filling machine; said firstbeverage bottle filling machine conveyer arrangement comprising a starwheel structure; a second beverage bottle filling machine conveyerarrangement being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles outof said beverage bottle filling machine; said second beverage bottlefilling machine conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheel structure;at least one of said plurality of machines comprising a bearingarrangement being configured to permit rotation of said rotor in atleast one of said plurality of machines; said bearing arrangementcomprising: a shaft being disposed vertically; a sleeve being configuredand disposed to encircle at least a portion of said shaft; an annularspace being disposed between said sleeve and said shaft; said annularspace being configured to hold a lubricant material; a lower gasketbeing configured and disposed to close the lower portion of said annularspace; an upper gasket being configured and disposed to close the upperportion of said annular space; at least two bearings being disposed insaid annular space, between said shaft and said sleeve; said at leasttwo bearings comprising a lower bearing being disposed in the lowerportion of said sleeve and an upper bearing being disposed in the upperportion of said sleeve; said lower bearing being closer to said lowergasket than said upper bearing, and said upper bearing being closer tosaid upper gasket than said lower bearing; said annular space extendingfrom said lower bearing to said upper gasket; said annular space beingconfigured to permit movement of lubricant material from adjacent saidlower bearing to adjacent said upper gasket; a long-term lubricationsystem in a bearing arrangement for a shaft of a machine for thehandling and/or processing of bottles or similar containers, comprising:a bearing sleeve that surrounds the shaft over at least a portion of itslength; at least one bearing in a bearing interior that is formedbetween the shaft and an interior surface of the bearing sleeve; whichbearing interior is closed by at least two gaskets that are offset fromeach other in the axial direction of the shaft, and holds a lubricant,for example grease for the at least one bearing; wherein at least onefirst duct for the feed of the lubricant, which duct ends in thevicinity of the at least one bearing, and by means on a second segmentof the bearing interior formed between the at least one bearing and agasket, for the ventilation of said space.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system in a bearing arrangement for a shaft of amachine for the handling and/or processing of bottles or similarcontainers, with a bearing sleeve that surrounds the shaft over at leasta portion of its length, with at least one bearing in a bearing interiorthat is formed between the shaft and an interior surface of the bearingsleeve, which bearing interior is closed by at least two gaskets thatare offset from each other in the axial direction of the shaft, andholds a lubricant, for example grease for the at least one bearing,characterized by at least one first duct for the feed of the lubricant,which duct ends in the vicinity of the at least one bearing, and bymeans on a second segment of the bearing interior (13) formed betweenthe at least one bearing and a gasket, for the ventilation of saidspace.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the atleast one first duct ends at a segment of the bearing interior formedbetween the at least one bearing and a first gasket.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by at least two bearingsthat are offset from each other in the axial direction of the shaft inthe bearing sleeve or in the bearing interior.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the atleast one first duct ends in the bearing interior in a segment betweenthe first gasket and the bearing that is downstream of said gasket inthe axial direction, and that the means for ventilation are providedbetween the second gasket and the bearing immediately downstream of saidgasket in the axial direction of the shaft.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the meansfor the ventilation are formed by at least one closable second duct.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the meansfor ventilation are provided on a level that is above, in the verticaldirection, the level at which the at least one first duct empties intothe bearing interior.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the shaftis oriented with its axis in the vertical direction, and that the firstduct empties into the bearing interior below the at least one bearing.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the atleast one first duct extends with a partial segment in the bearingsleeve, preferably in the direction of the axis of the shaft.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by a retaining ring to holethe at least one bearing, whereby the at least one first duct extendswith at least a partial segment in said ring and empties into thebearing interior at a ring interior surface that surrounds the shaft.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the atleast one first duct empties at the outer surface of the bearingarrangement or of the bearing sleeve at a lubricant or filling opening.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that thelubricant or filling opening is formed by a grease nipple.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that a bearingmount is provided on the machine frame to hold the bearing sleeve over aportion of its length, and that the lubrication or filling opening islocated on a segment of the bearing sleeve that projects out of thebearing mount.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the bearinginterior extends over the majority of the length of the shaft, forexample at least 60% of the total length of the shaft.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the bearinginterior extends in the axial direction of the shaft over a length whichis greater by a multiple than the diameter of the shaft, for examplegreater than the diameter of the shaft by a factor of 6 to 8.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in along-term lubrication system, characterized by the fact that the bearinginterior is an annular chamber.

The components disclosed in the various publications, disclosed orincorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possibleembodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof.

Some examples of bottling systems, which may be used or adapted for usein at least one possible embodiment of the present may be found in thefollowing U.S. Patents assigned to the Assignee herein, namely: U.S.Pat. No. 4,911,285; U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,830; U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,350;U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,803; U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,547; U.S. Pat. No.5,004,518; U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,261; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,917; U.S. Pat.No. 5,062,918; U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,123; U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,826; U.S.Pat. No. 5,087,317; U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,402; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,984;U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,755; U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,851; U.S. Pat. No.5,185,053; U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,538; U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,005; U.S. Pat.No. 5,413,153; U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,138; U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,500; U.S.Pat. No. 5,713,403; U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,113; U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,169;U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,578; U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,946; U.S. Pat. No.6,374,575; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,054; U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,016; U.S. Pat.No. 6,474,368; U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,238; U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,922; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,463,964.

The purpose of the statements about the technical field is generally toenable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The description of the technical field is believed, at thetime of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describethe technical field of this patent application. However, the descriptionof the technical field may not be completely applicable to the claims asoriginally filed in this patent application, as amended duringprosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in anypatent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statementsmade relating to the technical field are not intended to limit theclaims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting theclaims in any manner.

Some examples of methods and apparatuses for closing bottles andcontainers and their components that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,485issued to Osifchin on Mar. 21, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,623 issued toAhlers on Apr. 4, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,094 issued to Vander Bush,Jr. et al. on May 30, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,402 issued to Pringle onJun. 20, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,246 issued to Finke on Sep. 5, 1995;and U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,080 issued to Finke on Sep. 12, 1995.

The appended drawings in their entirety, including all dimensions,proportions and/or shapes in at least one embodiment of the invention,are accurate and are hereby included by reference into thisspecification.

Some examples of computer systems that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. patents:U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,480 issued to Roach et al. on May 16, 1995; U.S.Pat. No. 5,479,355 issued to Hyduke on Dec. 26, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.5,481,730 issued to Brown et al. on Jan. 2, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.5,805,094 issued to Roach et al. on Sep. 8, 1998; U.S. Pat. No.5,881,227 issued to Atkinson et al. on Mar. 9, 1999; and No. 6,072,462issued to Moshovich on Jun. 6, 2000.

The background information is believed, at the time of the filing ofthis patent application, to adequately provide background informationfor this patent application. However, the background information may notbe completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in thispatent application, as amended during prosecution of this patentapplication, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from thispatent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to thebackground information are not intended to limit the claims in anymanner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in anymanner.

Some examples of apparatus and methods of sterilizing or cleaningcontainers that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use inat least one possible embodiment of the present application may possiblybe found in the following U.S. patents: No. 5,092,356 issued to Grot onMar. 3, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,144 issued to Ahlers on Jun. 14, 1994;U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,552 issued to Ahlers on Jul. 9, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.5,558,135 issued to Kronseder et al. on Sep. 24, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No.5,896,899 issued to Schlitz on Apr. 27, 1999.

All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the variousembodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or all of theembodiments, if more than one embodiment is described herein.

Some examples of labeling machines which may possibly be utilized in atleast one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the followingU.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,400, entitled “Labeling machine;” U.S.Pat. No. 6,561,246, entitled “Labeling machine capable of preciseattachment of a label to different sizes of containers;” No. 6,550,512,entitled “Labeling machine capable of preventing erroneous attachment oflabels on containers;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,514, entitled “In-linecontinuous feed sleeve labeling machine and method;” U.S. Pat. No.6,378,587, entitled “Cylindrical container labeling machine;” U.S. Pat.No. 6,328,086, entitled “Labeling machine;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,021,entitled “Labeling machine;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,940, entitled “In-linecontinuous feed sleeve labeling machine and method;” U.S. Pat. No.6,199,614, entitled “High speed labeling machine having a constanttension driving system;” No. 6,167,935, entitled “Labeling machine; U.S.Pat. No. 6,066,223, entitled “Labeling machine and method; U.S. Pat. No.6,050,319, entitled “Non-round container labeling machine and method;”and U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,616, entitled “Adhesive station and labelingmachine.”

The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is generallyto enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The description of the object or objects is believed, atthe time of the filing of this patent application, to adequatelydescribe the object or objects of this patent application. However, thedescription of the object or objects may not be completely applicable tothe claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amendedduring prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowedin any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, anystatements made relating to the object or objects are not intended tolimit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limitingthe claims in any manner.

Some examples of starwheels which may possibly be utilized or adaptedfor use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in thefollowing U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,593, entitled “Containerhandling starwheel;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,695, entitled “Improvedstarwheel;” U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,112, entitled “Odd-shaped containerindexing starwheel;” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,686, entitled “Starwheelcontrol in a system for conveying containers.”

All of the patents, patent applications and publications recited herein,and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

The Innopack packaging machine, manufactured by KHS Maschinen undAnlagenbau AG, is an example of a packaging machine which may possiblybe utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment. Someother examples of packaging machines which may possibly be utilized oradapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly befound in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,260, entitled“Packaging machine for cardboard boxes and process for packagingarticles in cardboard boxes;” U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,610, entitled“Automatic machine for packaging products of different kinds in boxes;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,398, entitled “Automatic counting and boxingmachine;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,847, entitled “Packaging machine formulti-packs;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,620, entitled “Packaging machine formulti-packs;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,137, entitled “Packaging machine andmethod of packaging articles;” and No. 5,706,633, entitled “Packagingmachine and method of packaging articles.”

The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this patentapplication, to adequately summarize this patent application. However,portions or all of the information contained in the summary may not becompletely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patentapplication, as amended during prosecution of this patent application,and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patentapplication. Therefore, any statements made relating to the summary arenot intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not beinterpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

It will be understood that the examples of patents, published patentapplications, and other documents which are included in this applicationand which are referred to in paragraphs which state “Some examples of .. . which may possibly be used in at least one possible embodiment ofthe present application . . . ” may possibly not be used or useable inany one or more embodiments of the application.

The sentence immediately above relates to patents, published patentapplications and other documents either incorporated by reference or notincorporated by reference.

The corresponding foreign patent publication applications, namely,Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 10 2004 040 633.2,filed on Aug. 21, 2004, having inventor Herbert Bernhard, and DE-OS 102004 040 633.2 and DE-PS 10 2004 040 633.2, are hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth in their entirety herein for the purpose ofcorrecting and explaining any possible misinterpretations of the Englishtranslation thereof. In addition, the published equivalents of the abovecorresponding foreign and international patent publication applications,and other equivalents or corresponding applications, if any, incorresponding cases in the Federal Republic of Germany and elsewhere,and the references and documents cited in any of the documents citedherein, such as the patents, patent applications and publications, arehereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entiretyherein.

All of the references and documents, cited in any of the documents citedherein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in theirentirety herein. All of the documents cited herein, referred to in theimmediately preceding sentence, include all of the patents, patentapplications and publications cited anywhere in the present application.

The description of the embodiment or embodiments is believed, at thetime of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describethe embodiment or embodiments of this patent application. However,portions of the description of the embodiment or embodiments may not becompletely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patentapplication, as amended during prosecution of this patent application,and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patentapplication. Therefore, any statements made relating to the embodimentor embodiments are not intended to limit the claims in any manner andshould not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

The details in the patents, patent applications and publications may beconsidered to be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claimsduring prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentablydistinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.

Some examples of filling machines that utilize electronic controldevices to control various portions of a filling or bottling process andthat may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at leastone possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be foundin the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,921 issued toCartwright et al. on Apr. 18, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,511 issued toRonge on Oct. 15, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,082 issued to Paasche et al.on Dec. 28, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,488 issued to Ruhl et al. onApr. 12, 1994.

The purpose of the title of this patent application is generally toenable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The title is believed, at the time of the filing of thispatent application, to adequately reflect the general nature of thispatent application. However, the title may not be completely applicableto the technical field, the object or objects, the summary, thedescription of the embodiment or embodiments, and the claims asoriginally filed in this patent application, as amended duringprosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in anypatent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, the title is notintended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpretedas limiting the claims in any manner.

The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b):

-   -   A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the        specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably        following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the        Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent        and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine        quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the        technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for        interpreting the scope of the claims.        Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not        intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be        interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

The embodiments of the invention described herein above in the contextof the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as limiting theembodiments of the invention to all of the provided details thereof,since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.

AT LEAST PARTIAL LIST OF TERMS

-   1 Machine frame-   2 Machine element-   3 Support foot-   4 Bearing arrangement-   5 Shaft-   6 Gear wheel-   7 Disc-   8 Bearing sleeve-   9 Bolt-   10 Ring-   11, 12 Bearing-   13 Annular gap-   13.1, 13.2 Segment of the annular gap-   14, 15 Gasket-   16 Bearing mount-   17, 18 Bolt-   19 Lubricant or grease duct-   19.1, 19.2 Segment of the lubricant or grease duct-   20 Grease nipple-   21 Duct-   22 Closing element

1. A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material; said beverage bottling plant comprising: a pluralityof rotary machines, comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle fillingmachine and a rotary beverage bottle closing machine; said beveragebottle filling machine being configured and disposed to fill beveragebottles with liquid beverage material; said beverage bottle fillingmachine comprising: a rotatable rotor; a plurality of beverage bottlefilling elements for filling beverage bottles with liquid beveragematerial; each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elementsbeing mounted on the periphery of said rotor; each of said plurality ofbeverage bottle filling elements comprising a container carrier beingconfigured and disposed to receive and hold bottles to be filled; eachof said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements being configuredand disposed to dispense liquid beverage material into bottles to befilled; at least one liquid reservoir being configured to hold a liquidto be bottled; at least one supply line being configured and disposed toconnect said at least one liquid reservoir to said beverage bottlefilling machine to supply liquid beverage material to said beveragebottle filling machine; a first beverage bottle filling machine conveyerarrangement being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles intosaid beverage bottle filling machine; said first beverage bottle fillingmachine conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheel structure; a secondbeverage bottle filling machine conveyer arrangement being configuredand disposed to move beverage bottles out of said beverage bottlefilling machine; said second beverage bottle filling machine conveyerarrangement comprising a star wheel structure; at least one of saidplurality of rotary machines comprising: a machine frame comprising alower frame portion; at least one support foot being connected to saidlower frame portion to support said lower frame portion thereon; a gearwheel being rotatably mounted inside said lower frame portion; said gearwheel comprising a gear wheel hub disposed in a central portion of saidgear wheel; said gear wheel hub comprising a receiving opening; arotatable, elongated shaft being disposed vertically and being connectedto said rotor; said elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower enddisposed opposite said upper end; at least a portion of said lower endbeing disposed in said receiving opening in said gear wheel hub and thusoperatively connected to said gear wheel; said gear wheel beingrotatable to drive said shaft in rotation; a disc structure beingmounted on said upper end of said shaft; said disc structure beingconnected to said rotor; a bearing arrangement being mounted on saidmachine frame and being configured to permit rotation of said shaft;said bearing arrangement comprising: a sleeve being configured anddisposed to encircle at least a portion of said shaft; said sleevehaving an upper portion and a lower portion; an external bearing mountbeing disposed to encircle a portion of said lower portion of saidsleeve, wherein a substantial portion of said sleeve extends verticallyout of, above, and beyond said external bearing mount; said sleeve beingconnected to and supported vertically by said external bearing mount;said external bearing mount being connected to and supported by saidlower frame portion of said machine frame; an annular space beingdisposed between said sleeve and said shaft; said annular space beingconfigured to hold a lubricant material; a lower gasket being configuredand disposed to close the lower portion of said annular space; an uppergasket being configured and disposed to close the upper portion of saidannular space; said upper gasket being configured and disposed tosupport at least a portion of said disc structure thereon; at least twobearings being disposed in said annular space, between said shaft andsaid sleeve; said at least two bearings comprising a lower bearing beingdisposed in the lower portion of said sleeve and an upper bearing beingdisposed in the upper portion of said sleeve; said lower bearing beingcloser to said lower gasket than said upper bearing, and said upperbearing being closer to said upper gasket than said lower bearing; saidannular space extending from said lower bearing to said upper gasket;said annular space being configured to permit movement of lubricantmaterial from adjacent said lower bearing to adjacent said upper gasket;a bearing arrangement lubrication system; said bearing arrangementlubrication system comprising: a lower lubrication duct being disposedin the lower portion of said sleeve; said lower lubrication ductcomprising a vertical duct portion being disposed to run parallel tosaid shaft and a horizontal duct portion being disposed perpendicularlyto said vertical duct portion and being disposed to operatively connectto said annular space; said lower lubrication duct being disposedadjacent said lower bearing; a lubricant inlet being disposed on theouter surface of said sleeve and being configured and disposed to permita lubricant material to be introduced into said lower lubrication duct;said lower lubrication duct being disposed to extend through said sleevefrom said lubricant inlet to said lower bearing; said lower lubricationduct being configured and disposed to permit the flow of a lubricantmaterial into said annular space; an upper lubrication duct beingdisposed in the upper portion of said sleeve; said upper lubricationduct being disposed perpendicularly to said annular space, and beingdisposed to operatively connect to said annular space; a lubricantoutlet being disposed on the outer surface of said sleeve and beingconfigured and disposed to permit a lubricant material to exit saidupper lubrication duct upon filling of said annular space; said upperlubrication duct being disposed to extend through said sleeve from saidlubricant outlet to said annular space; a removable closing elementbeing configured and disposed to seal said upper lubrication duct; saidupper lubrication duct extending from said removable closing element tosaid upper gasket; and said removable closing element being configuredto be removed from said lubricant outlet to permit the flow of air outof said upper lubrication duct upon the introduction of a lubricantmaterial into said lubrication system, and then to be inserted into saidlubricant outlet to seal said upper lubrication duct; said beveragebottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops offilled beverage bottles; said beverage bottle closing machinecomprising: a rotatable rotor; a plurality of closing devices disposedon the periphery of said rotor; each of said plurality of closingdevices comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed toreceive and hold filled bottles; each of said plurality of closingdevices being configured and disposed to place closures on bottles uponbottles being filled; a first beverage bottle closing machine conveyorarrangement being configured and disposed to move bottles into saidbeverage bottle closing machine; said first beverage bottle closingmachine conveyor arrangement comprising a star wheel structure; a secondbeverage bottle closing machine conveyor arrangement being configuredand disposed to move bottles out of said beverage bottle closingmachine; and said second beverage bottle closing machine conveyerarrangement comprising a star wheel structure.
 2. A container fillingplant for filling containers with liquid beverage material, saidcontainer filling plant comprising: a plurality of rotary machines,comprising at least a container filling machine and a container closingmachine; said container filling machine being configured and disposed tofill containers with liquid beverage material; said container fillingmachine comprising: a rotor; a plurality of container filling elementsfor filling containers with liquid beverage material; each of saidplurality of container filling elements being mounted on the peripheryof said rotor; each of said plurality of container filling elementscomprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receiveand hold containers to be filled; each of said plurality of containerfilling elements being configured and disposed to dispense liquidbeverage material into containers to be filled; at least one liquidreservoir being configured to hold a liquid for filling; at least onesupply channel being configured and disposed to connect said at leastone liquid reservoir to said container filling machine to supply liquidbeverage material to said container filling machine; a first containerfilling machine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed tomove containers into said container filling machine; a second containerfilling machine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed tomove containers out of said container filling machine; at least one ofsaid plurality of rotary machines comprising: a machine frame; at leastone support foot being connected to said machine frame to support saidmachine frame thereon; a drive mechanism being disposed inside saidmachine frame; said drive mechanism comprising a receiving opening; arotatable, elongated shaft being disposed vertically and being connectedto said rotor; said elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower enddisposed opposite said upper end; at least a portion of said lower endbeing disposed in said receiving opening in said gear wheel hub and thusoperatively connected to said gear wheel; said drive mechanism beingconfigured and disposed to drive said shaft in rotation; said upper endof said shaft being connected to said rotor to rotate said rotor; abearing arrangement being supported by said machine frame and beingconfigured to permit rotation of said shaft; said bearing arrangementcomprising: a sleeve being configured and disposed to envelop at least aportion of said shaft; said sleeve having an upper portion and a lowerportion; said lower portion of said sleeve being connected to andsupported vertically by said machine frame; an annular space beingdisposed between said sleeve and said shaft; said annular space beingconfigured to hold a lubricant material; a first gasket being configuredand disposed to close a first portion of said annular space; a secondgasket being configured and disposed to close a second portion of saidannular space; at least two bearings being disposed in said annularspace, between said shaft and said sleeve; said at least two bearingscomprising a first bearing being disposed in said lower portion of saidsleeve and a second bearing being disposed in said upper portion of saidsleeve; said first bearing being closer to said first gasket than saidsecond bearing, and said second bearing being closer to said secondgasket than said first bearing; said annular space extending from saidfirst bearing to said second gasket; said annular space being configuredto permit movement of lubricant material from adjacent said firstbearing to adjacent said second gasket; a bearing arrangementlubrication system; said bearing arrangement lubrication systemcomprising: a first lubrication duct being disposed in said lowerportion of said sleeve; said first lubrication duct comprising a firstduct portion being disposed to run parallel to said shaft and a secondduct portion being disposed transverse to said first duct portion andbeing disposed to operatively connect to said annular space; said firstlubrication duct being disposed adjacent said first bearing; said firstlubrication duct extending from said lubricant inlet to said firstbearing; a lubricant inlet being configured and disposed to permit alubricant material to be introduced into said first lubrication duct;said first lubrication duct being configured and disposed to permit theflow of a lubricant material into said annular space; a secondlubrication duct being disposed in said upper portion of said sleeve;said second lubrication duct being disposed transverse to said annularspace, and being disposed to operatively connect to said annular space;said second lubrication duct extending from said removable closingelement to said second gasket; a removable closing element beingconfigured and disposed to seal said second lubrication duct; and saidremovable closing element being configured to be removed to permit theflow of air out of said second lubrication duct upon the introduction ofa lubricant material into said lubrication system, and then to beinserted to seal said upper lubrication duct; said container fillingplant further comprising a container closing machine being configuredand disposed to close tops of filled containers; said container closingmachine comprising: a rotor; a plurality of closing devices beingdisposed on said rotor; each of said plurality of closing devicescomprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receiveand hold filled containers; each of said plurality of closing devicesbeing configured and disposed to place closures on containers uponcontainers being filled; a first container closing machine conveyorarrangement being configured and disposed to move containers into saidcontainer closing machine; and a second container closing machineconveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to move containersout of said container closing machine.
 3. The container filling plantaccording to claim 2, wherein the at least one first duct ends at asegment of the annular space formed between the at least one bearing anda first gasket.
 4. The container filling plant according to claim 3,comprising at least two bearings that are offset from each other in theaxial direction of the shaft in the bearing sleeve or in the annularspace.
 5. The container filling plant according to claim 4, wherein theat least one first duct ends in the annular space in a segment betweenthe first gasket and the bearing that is downstream of said gasket inthe axial direction, and that the means for ventilation are providedbetween the second gasket and the bearing immediately downstream of saidgasket in the axial direction of the shaft.
 6. The container fillingplant according to claim 5, wherein the means for the ventilation areformed by at least one closable second duct.
 7. The container fillingplant according to claim 6, wherein the means for ventilation areprovided on a level that is above, in the vertical direction, the levelat which the at least one first duct empties into the annular space. 8.The container filling plant according to claim 7, wherein the shaft isoriented with its axis in the vertical direction, and that the firstduct empties into the annular space below the at least one bearing. 9.The container filling plant according to claim 8, wherein the at leastone first duct extends with a partial segment in the bearing sleeve,preferably in the direction of the axis of the shaft.
 10. The containerfilling plant according to claim 9, comprising a retaining ring to holethe at least one bearing, whereby the at least one first duct extendswith at least a partial segment in said ring and empties into theannular space at a ring interior surface that surrounds the shaft. 11.The container filling plant according to claim 10, wherein the at leastone first duct empties at the outer surface of the bearing arrangementor of the bearing sleeve at a lubricant or filling opening.
 12. Thecontainer filling plant according to claim 11, wherein the lubricant orfilling opening is formed by a grease nipple.
 13. The container fillingplant according to claim 12, wherein a bearing mount is provided on themachine frame to hold the bearing sleeve over a portion of its length,and that the lubrication or filling opening is located on a segment ofthe bearing sleeve that projects out of the bearing mount.
 14. Thecontainer filling plant according to claim 13, wherein the annular spaceextends over the majority of the length of the shaft, for example atleast 60% of the total length of the shaft.
 15. The container fillingplant according to claim 14, wherein: the annular space extends in theaxial direction of the shaft over a length which is greater by amultiple than the diameter of the shaft, for example greater than thediameter of the shaft by a factor of 6 to 8; and the annular space is anannular chamber. 16-20. (canceled)
 21. A container filling plant forfilling containers, said container filling plant comprising: a pluralityof rotary machines, comprising at least a container filling machine anda container closing machine; said container filling machine beingconfigured and disposed to fill containers; said container fillingmachine comprising: a rotor; a plurality of container filling elementsfor filling containers; each of said plurality of container fillingelements comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed toreceive and hold containers to be filled; a first container fillingmachine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to movecontainers into said container filling machine; a second containerfilling machine conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed tomove containers out of said container filling machine; at least one ofsaid plurality of rotary machines comprising: a machine frame; at leastone support foot being connected to said machine frame to support saidmachine frame thereon; a drive mechanism being disposed inside saidmachine frame; said drive mechanism comprising a receiving opening; arotatable, elongated shaft being disposed vertically and being connectedto said rotor; said elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower enddisposed opposite said upper end; at least a portion of said lower endbeing disposed in said receiving opening in said driving mechanism andthus operatively connected to said driving mechanism; said drivemechanism being configured and disposed to drive said shaft in rotation;said upper end of said shaft being connected to said rotor to rotatesaid rotor; a bearing arrangement being supported by said machine frameand being configured to permit rotation of said shaft; said bearingarrangement comprising: a sleeve being configured and disposed toenvelop at least a portion of said shaft; said sleeve having an upperportion and a lower portion; said lower portion of said sleeve beingconnected to and supported vertically by said machine frame; an annularspace being disposed between said sleeve and said shaft; said annularspace being configured to hold a lubricant material; a first gasketbeing configured and disposed to close a first portion of said annularspace; a second gasket being configured and disposed to close a secondportion of said annular space; at least two bearings being disposed insaid annular space, between said shaft and said sleeve; said at leasttwo bearings comprising a first bearing being disposed in said lowerportion of said sleeve and a second bearing being disposed in said upperportion of said sleeve; said first bearing being closer to said firstgasket than said second bearing, and said second bearing being closer tosaid second gasket than said first bearing; said annular space extendingfrom said first bearing to said second gasket; said annular space beingconfigured to permit movement of lubricant material from adjacent saidfirst bearing to adjacent said second gasket; a bearing arrangementlubrication system; said bearing arrangement lubrication systemcomprising: a first lubrication duct being disposed in said lowerportion of said sleeve; said first lubrication duct comprising a firstduct portion being disposed to run parallel to said shaft and a secondduct portion being disposed transverse to said first duct portion andbeing disposed to operatively connect to said annular space; said firstlubrication duct being disposed adjacent said first bearing; said firstlubrication duct extending from said lubricant inlet to said firstbearing; a lubricant inlet being configured and disposed to permit alubricant material to be introduced into said first lubrication duct;said first lubrication duct being configured and disposed to permit theflow of a lubricant material into said annular space; a secondlubrication duct being disposed in said upper portion of said sleeve;said second lubrication duct being disposed transverse to said annularspace, and being disposed to operatively connect to said annular space;said second lubrication duct extending from said removable closingelement to said second gasket; a removable closing element beingconfigured and disposed to seal said second lubrication duct; and saidremovable closing element being configured to be removed to permit theflow of air out of said second lubrication duct upon the introduction ofa lubricant material into said lubrication system, and then to beinserted to seal said upper lubrication duct; said container fillingplant further comprising a container closing machine being configuredand disposed to close tops of filled containers; said container closingmachine comprising: a rotor; a plurality of closing devices beingdisposed on said rotor; each of said plurality of closing devicescomprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receiveand hold filled containers; each of said plurality of closing devicesbeing configured and disposed to place closures on containers uponcontainers being filled; a first container closing machine conveyorarrangement being configured and disposed to move containers into saidcontainer closing machine; and a second container closing machineconveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to move containersout of said container closing machine.
 22. The container filling plantaccording to claim 21, wherein: the at least one first duct ends at asegment of the annular space formed between the at least one bearing anda first gasket; said at least two bearings are offset from each other inthe axial direction of the shaft in the bearing sleeve or in the annularspace; and the at least one first duct ends in the annular space in asegment between the first gasket and the bearing that is downstream ofsaid gasket in the axial direction, and that the means for ventilationare provided between the second gasket and the bearing immediatelydownstream of said gasket in the axial direction of the shaft.
 23. Thecontainer filling plant according to claim 22, wherein: the means forthe ventilation are formed by at least one closable second duct; themeans for ventilation are provided on a level that is above, in thevertical direction, the level at which the at least one first ductempties into the annular space; and the shaft is oriented with its axisin the vertical direction, and that the first duct empties into theannular space below the at least one bearing.
 24. The container fillingplant according to claim 23, wherein: the at least one first ductextends with a partial segment in the bearing sleeve, preferably in thedirection of the axis of the shaft; a retaining ring to hole the atleast one bearing, whereby the at least one first duct extends with atleast a partial segment in said ring and empties into the annular spaceat a ring interior surface that surrounds the shaft; and the at leastone first duct empties at the outer surface of the bearing arrangementor of the bearing sleeve at a lubricant or filling opening.
 25. Thecontainer filling plant according to claim 24, wherein: the lubricant orfilling opening is formed by a grease nipple; a bearing mount isprovided on the machine frame to hold the bearing sleeve over a portionof its length, and that the lubrication or filling opening is located ona segment of the bearing sleeve that projects out of the bearing mount;the annular space extends over the majority of the length of the shaft,for example at least 60% of the total length of the shaft; the annularspace extends in the axial direction of the shaft over a length which isgreater by a multiple than the diameter of the shaft, for examplegreater than the diameter of the shaft by a factor of 6 to 8; and theannular space is an annular chamber.